2019 Hyundai Veloster 1.6T Manual Review

Intro
I have to admit, the first generation of the Hyundai Veloster is simply too funky for my taste. However, I do like the concept of a compact hatchback that is both somewhat practical, and more importantly, fun to drive. That is why I was excited to see Hyundai's announcement of a second generation Veloster. Thanks to Hyundai Canada, I was provided with the 1.6L turbo version of the 2019 Hyundai Veloster. And it is in Manual!Exterior
The second generation of the Hyundai Veloster is redesigned for a more grown up look while maintaining its quirky nature. It is most evident with the signature 3 door configuration where the driver side has only one door like a coupe, and the passenger side has a hidden second door with no visible door handle (it is located behind the rear side windshield).

The front fascia is dominated by a wide signature grille and a few more fake/real air intakes. Hyundai even took the trouble of highlighting some of the lower side grilles with chrome strips and red trims. The gives the Veloster an aggressive, sporty look.

The side profile of the car is slick with its two-toned fastback roof. Sharp creases carve into the wheel arches for a unique, muscular profile. I love the black 18" alloy wheels that comes with our tester. They compliment the sporty side profile well.

The rear view of the Veloster is wide and composed albeit slightly busy. The segmented LED tail lights stand out in the back. A tall, black bumper helps to break up the visual elements to keep the vehicle looking light. The stand out feature to me is the the silver rocker panel that incorporates aerodynamic under-fins and highlights the center twin exhaust tips.

It may not be for everybody, but I find the exterior of the 2019 Hyundai Veloster to be fun and unique while also keeping itself composed and refined. Well done Hyundai.

Interior
The fun and sporty nature of the Veloster is also shown in its interior. Red accent trims can be found in the steering wheel, the center console, the shifter knob, and the leather seats. There is even a racing checkered flag on the passenger side dashboard.

The cabin layout is clean, and the control buttons are grouped and organized. Most of the cabin materials are comprised of hard plastics. Although they are textured, they are not the best looking plastics I have seen.

The front view from the driver seat is excellent. However, the position of the rear-view mirror doesn't allow the driver to have a parallel line-of-sight from a standard sitting position. Instead, it is pointing downward toward the road. I am guessing it has to do with the aggressively sloped-back design of the roof, but it is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Both front seats are heated, so is the steering wheel. The seats are heavily bolstered for lateral supports, and it is comfortable even for longer drives. There is plenty of legroom and headroom for the front cabin, but same can not be said about the rear cabin. While you can fit two passengers in the back, they are best suited for children, or for quick drives around town.

Infotainment
I find the infotainment system of the current generation of Hyundai vehicles to be excellent. The Veloster is no exception. The 8.0" touchscreen display is crisp and responsive. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Same can be said about the multi-color information display in the instrument cluster.

The Infinity sound system delivers plenty of power with 8 speakers strategically placed around the cabin. And as always, Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard.

Safety and Driver Assistance
The Veloster offers great value when it comes to standard safety features. The followings are standard for all trims:

Blind Spot Detection

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Rear-view Camera

Hill-start Assist

Brake Assist

Safety rating is not available from either NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing.

Driving
I am pleased to find that the sportiness of the 2019 Veloster is more than skin deep. The 1.6L Turbocharged Engine produces 201 hp of power and 195 lb-ft of torque. It is coupled with an excellent 6 speed automatic transmission in our tester. The throw is crisp, and the clutch is smooth and predictable. The car feels light and spirited right out of the gate. An Active Sound Design system enhances intake and exhaust notes inside the cabin for an even more thrilling driving experience.

Veloster performs especially well in the corners. A rigid chassis coupled with front and rear stabilizer bars keeps body roll to a minimum. Torque vectoring comes standard. It applies precision level braking into the inside front wheel for better cornering performance. One of the big change in this generation of the Veloster is the adaption of independent multi-link rear suspensions. They provide great cornering stability and a comfortable ride around town.

I am surprised by how much fun this quirky little car is able to provide. On top of that, it is fairly fuel efficient. The 2019 Veloster is rated at 9.4L/100km city and 7.0L/100km highway. With our "spirited" test drive, we were able to achieve a 8.5L/100Km fuel economy rating.

Cargo Space & Storage
For a car this size, the Veloster is surprisingly roomy. The trunk is quite deep, and provides a 19.9 cu.ft. of cargo space. Folding the 40/60 rear seats down, you get a respectable 44.5 cu.ft. of storage space. It is a very usable daily driver.

Interior space for small items is good for the front passengers. You get the standard cup holders in the middle, a storage bin under the armrest, two side door packets in the front, and a wireless charging pad in the center console. Rear passengers only get two cup holders and a small storage tray in the middle.

Verdict
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I have enjoyed this little car. With the 2019 Hyundai Veloster, you get a 4-seat hatchback that has plenty of cargo space, a stylish exterior, and a comfortable interior. The 1.6L turbo engine is peppy, and the 6 speed manual transmission is simply a joy to drive. Now I am looking forward to seeing what the 2019 Veloster N will showcase.